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Barnyard Buddies: Chickens |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4323 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4323 Posts |
Posted - Feb 12 2023 : 03:29:44 AM
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I wanted to share something that is working for us. I got chicks last spring, and they started laying in the fall. Most went in the nest boxes but 4 of them started laying on the floor of the coop. And they started eating eggs. Never had our young girls do that. We had been trying to get out there often in the morning to gather eggs. They still timed it so they could eat them. A few times I have grabbed the floor laying hens and put them in the nest box. Hoping they would get the idea. Got one yet who didn't. Got to thinking maybe they needed more protein?? I got a bag of 22 percent protein meat bird feed. I give them a half a scoop in the evening. It has been a week now and no more eating eggs. Hope we continue to break that egg eating cycle.
Farming in WI
Michele FGOTM June2019
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7267 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7267 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2023 : 1:06:10 PM
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I learned about this last summer when I was taking care of my neighbors chickens. I didn't know that chickens eating their eggs was a thing until then. I filled her egg basket with eggs and then set it on the ground to take care of other things. When I came back I saw her chickens around the basket eating the eggs. I was so worried I had messed something up until I spoke with her. Now she makes sure to give them protein as well. I hope it continues to work for you.
Krista |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4762 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4762 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2023 : 1:59:54 PM
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Glad the protein has been working to stop your hens from eating eggs. Hope it continues to be a success and I'm sure the farmgirls with hens will appreciate the tip.
Dawn in IL
The fireside is the tulip bed of a winter day. (Persian Proverb) |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6666 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6666 Posts |
Posted - Feb 14 2023 : 11:24:59 AM
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Michele , I do hope the added protein in your chicken diet does the trick for them. It is interesting how they sought after their own eggs to solve their nutritional problem. Give us an update in a few weeks as to what is going on.
Winnie #3109 Red Tractor Girl Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 FGOTM- October 2018 |
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Dreamer42
True Blue Farmgirl
2695 Posts
April
Central
Oregon
USA
2695 Posts |
Posted - Feb 15 2023 : 5:47:36 PM
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So interesting... nature is so amazing.
Dreamer42 Farmgirl Sister #7038 |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4323 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4323 Posts |
Posted - May 31 2023 : 02:57:24 AM
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Well the added feed worked for about a week. What did seem to work? My husband caught the floor laying chicken and put her in the nest box and locked her in there for a while. Have not seen an egg on the floor since. I told him he is the chicken trainer now.
Farming in WI
Michele FGOTM June2019
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9444 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9444 Posts |
Posted - May 31 2023 : 03:52:45 AM
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We always mixed in the crushed oyster shell to solve this problem of egg eating with our chickens.
~Denise Sister #43~1/18/2007
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured."
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4762 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4762 Posts |
Posted - May 31 2023 : 05:56:04 AM
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Wow Michele! Who knew a chicken timeout was needed to stop that hen from eating eggs. Sounds like your husband taught them all a lesson, hope it sticks!
Dawn in IL
First you dream Then you do |
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shennandoah
True Blue Farmgirl
130 Posts
Shennandoah
La Vernia
TX
USA
130 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2024 : 5:24:51 PM
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So excited we just got our first egg! First time raising chickens. Got them in the fall. Was such a lovely surprise!
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2024 : 5:33:23 PM
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How exciting Shenandoah, I hope there will be many more to come.
Big Hugs, Debbie #1582 Blessed in Oregon With Colorado on My Mind Farmgirl of the Month September 2012, February 2018, September 2022 “My altars are My Mountains and the Ocean.” Lord Byron”
When I am Old I Shall Wear Purple, I am Old now!!
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7267 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7267 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2024 : 1:12:20 PM
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That is super exciting Shenandoah! Hopefully you get many more surprises soon!
Krista |
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Killarney
True Blue Farmgirl
5383 Posts
Connie
Arlington
TN
USA
5383 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2024 : 6:40:19 PM
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Awww so sweet! Connie W. |
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Lacey
Chapter Guru
192 Posts
Rea
Davis
Ca
USA
192 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2024 : 6:35:15 PM
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Yes keep up the protien and calcium levels. Sometime our animals know more of what they need and the yolk provide the protien . Also as the warm weather approaches you might need to increase calicium levels because of the natural egg laying cycle. Chickens are smart and entertaining have fun with them!
Rea Nakanishi Farm Girl Of The Month Jan. 2022 “Action is the foundational key to all success.” – Pablo Picasso |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4323 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4323 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2024 : 4:08:33 PM
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I have always had oyster shells free choice for the hens. Enjoy the fresh eggs!
Farming in WI
Michele
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shennandoah
True Blue Farmgirl
130 Posts
Shennandoah
La Vernia
TX
USA
130 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2024 : 04:16:14 AM
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Yup I’d transitioned them to a layer feed and providing supplemental calcium and protein plus greens and herbs from the garden. Expanding the run to give them more safe space to play so the stay healthy and happy. Have received 9 fairy eggs and one full size egg so far this week from the ladies! |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4323 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4323 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2024 : 05:17:11 AM
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Pretty soon you will have a fridge full of eggs!
Farming in WI
Michele
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shennandoah
True Blue Farmgirl
130 Posts
Shennandoah
La Vernia
TX
USA
130 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2024 : 4:47:20 PM
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I’m officially egg rich! They’re one of my new bartering tools and make me popular with my extended family lol. Girls outgrew their space so expanded the run and added some raised beds to grow their favorite herbs and greens nearby.
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Barnyard Buddies: Chickens |
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